Ex-UF standouts highlight NBA teams

Chicago's Joakim Noah reacts during the first half of Game 2 of the NBA playoff series in the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Miami Heat last Wednesday in Miami. (AP)

Special to Gatorsports.com

Published: Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 2:51 p.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 2:51 p.m.

Two former University of Florida basketball players help headline All-NBA teams.

On Monday, Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah was selected to the All-Defensive First Team. On Tuesday, the Washington Wizards' Bradley Beal was named to the All-Rookie Team.

“Joakim, obviously (I'm) very pleased with that,” said Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau. “I think down the road, Joakim has a very good chance of being defensive player of the year. His ability to defend all five positions, every aspect of the game — individual defense, team defense, rebounding, multiple effort ... a very unique player.”

LeBron James and Memphis guard Tony Allen were also named to the first team.

The league announced Allen received 53 points in the voting, while the Miami Heat star had 52. Each player had 25 first-team votes from the NBA's 30 head coaches.

“We pride ourselves on defense here,” said James. “I'm one of the catalysts, as far as taking that side of the ball very seriously. We all do. I'm happy to be rewarded with such an honor to be part of First Team All-Defense.

“Any time you're awarded anything individually, it's an honor.”

The pair were joined on the first team by Clippers guard Chris Paul (37 points), Thunder forward Serge Ibaka (46), Knicks center Tyson Chandler (24) and Noah (24).

Marc Gasol, who was the NBA's defensive player of the year, made the second team. He was joined on that squad by Celtics guard Avery Bradley, Grizzlies guard Mike Conley, Spurs forward Tim Duncan and Pacers forward Paul George.

The Portland Trail Blazers' Damian Lillard, the unanimous selection for the Rookie of the Year, headlined theRookie First Team. Lillard was the lone unanimous First Team selection (58 points, 29 First Team votes), while Beal and the New Orleans Hornets' Anthony Davis totaled 57 points each, including 28 First Team votes. Rounding out the 2012-13 NBA All-Rookie First Team are Dion Waiters of the Cleveland Cavaliers (50 points, 21 First Team) and Harrison Barnes of the Golden State Warriors (47 points, 18 First Team).

For the season, Beal averaged 13.9 points to go along with 3.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists. On the season, he recorded 13 games of 20-plus points and six games with a least four three-pointers made.

<p>Two former University of Florida basketball players help headline All-NBA teams.</p><p>On Monday, Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah was selected to the All-Defensive First Team. On Tuesday, the Washington Wizards' Bradley Beal was named to the All-Rookie Team.</p><p>“Joakim, obviously (I'm) very pleased with that,” said Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau. “I think down the road, Joakim has a very good chance of being defensive player of the year. His ability to defend all five positions, every aspect of the game — individual defense, team defense, rebounding, multiple effort ... a very unique player.”</p><p>LeBron James and Memphis guard Tony Allen were also named to the first team.</p><p>The league announced Allen received 53 points in the voting, while the Miami Heat star had 52. Each player had 25 first-team votes from the NBA's 30 head coaches.</p><p>“We pride ourselves on defense here,” said James. “I'm one of the catalysts, as far as taking that side of the ball very seriously. We all do. I'm happy to be rewarded with such an honor to be part of First Team All-Defense.</p><p>“Any time you're awarded anything individually, it's an honor.”</p><p>The pair were joined on the first team by Clippers guard Chris Paul (37 points), Thunder forward Serge Ibaka (46), Knicks center Tyson Chandler (24) and Noah (24).</p><p>Marc Gasol, who was the NBA's defensive player of the year, made the second team. He was joined on that squad by Celtics guard Avery Bradley, Grizzlies guard Mike Conley, Spurs forward Tim Duncan and Pacers forward Paul George.</p><p>The Portland Trail Blazers' Damian Lillard, the unanimous selection for the Rookie of the Year, headlined theRookie First Team. Lillard was the lone unanimous First Team selection (58 points, 29 First Team votes), while Beal and the New Orleans Hornets' Anthony Davis totaled 57 points each, including 28 First Team votes. Rounding out the 2012-13 NBA All-Rookie First Team are Dion Waiters of the Cleveland Cavaliers (50 points, 21 First Team) and Harrison Barnes of the Golden State Warriors (47 points, 18 First Team).</p><p>For the season, Beal averaged 13.9 points to go along with 3.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists. On the season, he recorded 13 games of 20-plus points and six games with a least four three-pointers made.</p>